The Test of Time:
Taking a look at a LEED Platinum home, 10 years later
Over a decade ago
Arana Craftsman Painters had the pleasure of meeting Shannon Bloemker when their company was subcontracted to provide painting and staining services as part of her groundbreaking eco-conscious renovation project. Shannon and her husband Rob had purchased a mid-century modern style home in Piedmont knowing that it needed A LOT of work. Fortunately, she was the perfect new homeowner for that moment. With her years of experience in construction and property management, and a nearly-completed Master’s degree in Sustainability from Harvard University, the stage was set.
Diversifying California’s Small Developer Corps
BIPOC workers are key to building the housing that we need
Build It Green (BIG) believes that every Californian deserves to live in a safe, affordable home in a resilient and thriving neighborhood. The organization is putting a new focus on California’s small developer and contractor community to connect people there with resources and mentorship.
What most know about California’s housing market is that the industry simply isn’t building enough new homes. The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) determined that the state needs 1.8 million new homes by 2025 to meet projected population growth. On top of that, California isn’t currently building the kinds of homes that people need most. For example, there is a massive shortage of Middle Housing or two to four unit construction and townhomes.
Do you want cool things to happen in your neighborhood?
Commotion West Berkeley is a non-profit group that fosters pride of place, buzz, excitement, fun, quirkiness, and design in our neighborhood. Through the community-centered projects they support, they celebrate all that's unique about West Berkeley – the history, industry, arts, people, and nature. It is hyper-local in focus and impact.
Since organizing in 2019, Commotion has funded three murals painted by local artists, a pop-up performance event series, community gardens and portable planters, a sustainable fashion show, and more.
Design for Sustainable Living. Home Improvement Design and Building
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